Bodycam Footage Shows Deadly Knife Attack at Santa Monica Park

Chilling new bodycam footage reveals how a routine police response in California turned deadly when an unrelated man charged at officers with a knife through a crowded seaside park. It happened on August 22 near the Broadway stairs in Santa Monica. The incident began as deputies investigated reports of a man chasing a woman, but the situation quickly spiraled out of control.

The victim is identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner as Michael Rodriguez, age 44. Two uniformed officers arrived at the intersection of Broadway and Ocean Avenue around 12:30 p.m. They spoke with witnesses in the 1400 block of Palisades Park before spotting the threat. The oceanfront area was packed with pedestrians, visitors, and vendors that Saturday afternoon when they saw Rodriguez holding a large knife above his head. He moved toward an officer and several bystanders.

"Hey, put that down," one officer shouts repeatedly on the recording as he draws his gun and backs away. "Put it down. Put that down." The command falls flat. Rodriguez ignores the warnings. He keeps advancing with the blade raised high. Then he quickens his pace, closing the gap between himself and the retreating deputy while weapons are drawn.

The officer fires one round from his department-issued firearm, striking Rodriguez in the chest. Bodycam video from a second officer shows Rodriguez falling to the ground as the knife drops from his hand. The officers immediately called for backup and requested emergency medical personnel. "Officer needs help," a deputy can be heard saying before asking witnesses to stay at the scene.

As police approached the fallen suspect to check him for additional weapons, they found a second knife in his right pants pocket. Officers also spotted the handle of a third knife sticking out of his backpack. Investigators described the primary weapon as a large, fixed-blade fighting and utility style tool with a clip-point blade, a protective hand guard, metal grip, and serrations along part of its spine.

Rodriguez died from the gunshot wound to the chest. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel took over medical care later and transported him to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead in the emergency room at approximately 1:49 p.m. No officers, bystanders, or members of the public were injured during the confrontation.

"Any loss of life is tragic, and we recognize the impact on the family, our officers and our community," Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob said regarding the shooting. "Our officers face difficult and dangerous situations every day." When a life is lost during a police encounter, the responsibility to provide a clear and open account becomes especially important. The case remains open according to agency records.

Releasing this video marks a critical move to give our community the full story. Santa Monica Police Department detectives are now running a criminal probe into the shooting. At the same time, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will look separately at whether the officer used deadly force properly. The police department is also launching its own internal administrative review.

Be careful what you read. Authorities warn that this bodycam footage and the briefing tied to it show only preliminary evidence. These clips do not represent final findings or conclusions yet.